4th Sunday in Ordinary Time

We remember in pray those who have died recently including: Rita Roberts, Victor De Amicis, Frank De Amicis, and Carole MacAskill.

Visiting the Hospital: if you or a family member are admitted to RVH please let them know you are Catholic and call the parish office to inform us. If you wish to receive Holy Communion please let the parish office know and one of our pastoral visitors will come to see you.

Well Done Catherine! 

We extend Congratulations to Catherine Ecker, who received a 2024 County of Simcoe Age-Friendly Individual Recognition and Achievement Award. The criteria to receive this award are:

• Enriches the lives of older adults in their community, particularly those who are vulnerable or less able to help themselves.

• Demonstrates leadership in and a commitment to age-friendly development, projects and/or initiatives in their community. 

• Improves the overall quality of life of vulnerable older adult residents and the community.

• Is an older adult who devotes their time to selfless voluntary service.

• Serves as a role model and champion for others within their community and exemplifies the spirit of community service.

The ceremony took place on January 28th at The Country of Simcoe Administration Centre in Minesing.

Marriage Preparation Course

Holy Spirit Parish, 650 Essa Road, Barrie will be offering Marriage Preparation courses for those preparing for the sacrament of Marriage beginning Tuesday, February 25^th to April 8^th, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. For more information and to register, please contact the parish office at 705-722-3771.

Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord: Today we celebrate the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. This day is also known as Candlemas. The feast is celebrated 40 days after the birth of Jesus. In the gospel we hear the prayer of Simeon, an old man, who was promised that he would not die until he had seen Christ the Lord. As Simeon held the infant Jesus in his arms he recognized Christ as the light for the world. The words of Simeon are part of our Gospel Canticle for Night Prayer, “Now, Master, you can dismiss your servant in peace; you have fulfilled your word. For my eyes have witnessed your saving deed, displayed for all the peoples to see: A revealing light to the Gentiles, the glory of your people Israel” (Lk 2:29-32).

Simeon, announced that the Messiah has come not just for the Jew but the gentile; not just the righteous, but the sinner. Since the 7^th century candles have been blessed at this Mass and used throughout the year. As the baptized we like Simeon are led by the Spirit, mandated to bear the light of Christ to others. We leave the celebration of Eucharist filled with God’s love ready to be light in our world.

Altar Server Training - Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 6:15 p.m. in the church. All children Grade 3 and up who have received their first communion are welcome to attend. Any questions please email David Murdoch: dmurdoch@archtoronto.org.

Marriage Sunday: On the second Sunday of February each year, the Archdiocese of Toronto celebrates Marriage Sunday. In 2025, it will be celebrated on the weekend of February 8/9. Bishop Ivan Camilleri will preside at a special Mass on Sunday, February 9, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica (65 Bond Street, Toronto). All married couples will have an opportunity to renew their marriage commitment. All are welcome to attend. Couples celebrating a 25^th, 40^th, 50^th, 60^th or 60+ anniversary in 2025 may register for reserved seating. All other seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Those who are unable to attend at the Cathedral are invited to join the celebration via livestream Mass. The broadcast will begin at 2:15 p.m.

Registration and other important information can be found at www.archtoronto.org/marriage.

Wednesday February 19^th: Mass with Anointing of the Sick The Anointing of the Sick conveys several graces and imparts the gifts of strengthening in the Holy Spirit against anxiety, discouragement and temptation and conveys peace and fortitude. The Anointing of the Sick is a prayer of healing including spiritual health and for the courage, strength and peace to bear the burden of illness. We will celebrate a Mass of Anointing on Wednesday February 19^th at 12:10 p.m. All those requesting the Sacrament of Anointing, young and elderly are welcome to attend. A reception of soup and sandwiches will follow in the parish hall.

Preparing for First Holy Communion and First Reconciliation

Parent Child Meeting # 1: Reminder for Parents! - All families who have formally registered in the preparation process will participate in a parent child catechetical meeting. The second and final opportunity to attend this essential meeting is Monday, February 3^rd from 7:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Please note only the parent(s) and the child preparing for the sacrament is to attend.

Confirmation Preparation for Adults - If you are an adult, baptized in the Catholic Church and would like to be Confirmed please contact Catherine Ecker (cecker@archtoronto.org or 705 728 2985 ext. 115) for details regarding registering for the preparation. Confirmation will be celebrated close to the feast of Pentecost.

Youth Ministry

M .E.R.C.Y. (Ministry to Educate Roman Catholic Youth) is for youth grades J.K. to Gr. 4 and gathers once a month on Friday nights from 6:00-7:30 p.m. where we explore our faith in a dynamic way through activities, games, crafts and music. Our next gathering is Friday, February 7^th.^.

E DGE is a youth ministry program for youth grades 5-8 to come together once a month on a Friday from 6:00-7:30 p.m. EDGE is a safe, fun place for youth to find solid Catholic community, to get answers to their questions about faith and most importantly, to experience Jesus in a profound and personal way. Our next gathering is Friday, February 21^st.

LIFETEEN – Youth program for high school teens to explore their faith through talks, prayer and friendship meeting monthly on Sunday nights. Our next gathering is Sunday, February 9^th after the 4:00 p.m. Mass. Dinner provided.

Lift Jesus Higher Rally - Join thousands of Catholics on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. There is an adult side and youth side. We have tickets for both conferences. The bus will depart from St. Mary’s Church at 7:15 a.m. and return at approximately 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $50/pp which includes admission and transportation. For tickets or more information, please contact Shannon Barks at stmarysyouthministry-barrie@gmail.com or 705.229.7426.

Celebrating the Liturgy of the Word with Children February 9^th and March 9^th during the 12 noon Mass. All children between the ages of 4 and 8 are invited to participate.

Ministry with Maturing Adults - All Adults 55+

VON SMART (Seniors Maintaining Active Roles Together) Exercise Program is held on Tuesday mornings. For details regarding registration please call: VON at 705 737 5044 ext. 221.

Christian Meditation an ancient form of contemplative prayer is deeply rooted in the Christian tradition. Our next meeting will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, February 4^th, 2025 on Zoom. The Zoom link is on our parish website or contact Catherine Ecker if you are interested in learning more about this form of prayer or have questions. All are welcome! Catherine Ecker. cecker@archtoronto.org or 705 728 2985 ext. 115.

Healing after Abortion: The Sisters of Life - Do you know someone who is carrying the grief of a past abortion? There is always hope.. A “Day of Prayer and Healing” offers the opportunity to experience the love and mercy of God and to respond to His invitation to begin the journey of healing the wound of abortion. Upcoming dates are: February 8 and April 5, 2025. For more details, locations, and confidential registration, or to simply talk to a Sister, please call the Sisters of Life at (416) 463-2722 or email us at toronto@sistersoflife.org.

Other Programs

• Classic Movies – Twice/month in the parish hall. No cost (free will offering). Snacks and drinks included! All are welcome. No sign up –Tuesdays at 2:00 p.m. Our next film is Citizen Kane on February 11th. Mark your calendars for our next movie Now, Voyager with Bette Davis on February 25^th. 
• Just Sing! - You’re invited to join us for song and fellowship as we come together to JUST SING our way through folk, pop, gospel and traditional music. No sign up – just come and just sing! Cookies and tea included. Join us on Tuesday, February 18^th at 2:00 p.m. in St. Joseph’s Room.

Questions about these programs? Please contact David at dmurdoch@archtoronto.org